LAN Airlines surprises patrons at popular Oakland eatery Bocanova with roundtrip tickets to South America

LAN Airlines surprises patrons at popular Oakland eatery Bocanova with roundtrip tickets to South America

Food lovers will attest that a great meal can transport our senses to new places. LAN Airlines, South America’s premier airline, the only airline offering nonstop flights from San Francisco to South America on affiliate carrier LAN Peru, can also transport Bay Area food lovers to the region that is home to a dazzling mix of sights and flavors.

To prove the point, the airline has just surprised patrons of Oakland restaurant Bocanova with tickets to South America. More than 200 unsuspecting patrons were enjoying South American-inspired dishes by Chef Rick Hackett when they were surprised with the news that the airline was gifting them with tickets to destinations such as Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil via LAN Airlines, and its affiliates, and TAM*.

The event is part of the “Only in South America” campaign, a multi-year effort to promote leisure travel to the region. The festivities will continue in social media, where visitors to www.facebook.com/LANAirlinesUSA can win tickets daily from January 25-30, 2013.“We are committed to introducing more U.S. travelers to wonders that can be found only in South America,” said Pablo Chiozza, Vice President, USA, Canada and the Caribbean, LATAM Airlines Group.

“The South American experience begins on board our aircraft, where passengers will be welcomed by incomparable service that connects major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, to the region. We are delighted that more people in the Bay Area will now get to experience our signature South American service themselves.”

The surprise-and-delight experience marks the second time that LAN Airlines has surprised U.S. restaurant goers with tickets. Last year, the airline surprised patrons of a South American eatery in New York with tickets to the region. Bocanova was selected as the venue for this special event on the west coast for its innovative take on South American cuisine.

"We couldn’t think of a more exciting way to start the new year than by giving our patrons the opportunity to see South America for themselves,” said Proprietor/Chef Rick Hackett. “At Bocanova, we offer dishes that are inspired by the unique flavors of such a diverse and beautiful continent. Now our patrons will have the chance to let themselves be inspired by the region’s sights and charm.”